Data sovereignty It is more important the way the data is interpreted and the narrative that Indigenous people give us about that data. — consultation with First Nations researchers, NARF project, May 2021 – April 2022 [W]e rely heavily on western data – important to counteract this with First Nations data. — consultation with First Nations researchers, NARF project, May 2021 – April 2022 Indigenous data refers to any information or knowledge that concerns, and may affect, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.17 Indigenous data sovereignty affirms the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations to access, retain control over, protect, develop, and use this data as it relates to them, as well as their selfdetermined priorities and practices.18 These principles of Indigenous data sovereignty that centre self-determination can provide broader guidance on the creation of data sovereignty frameworks for migrant, refugee, and faith-based communities that are negatively racialised. Experts advised the Commission that mechanisms to ensure data sovereignty would avoid the perpetuation of systemic racism that occurs when communities are studied and reported on in a way that focuses on ‘First Nations peoples’ disadvantage, disparity, and deprivation’ reinforces the pathologisation of communities, and ignores ‘Indigenous sovereignty, cultural diversity,’ and self-determination.19 Data sovereignty also enables the collection of data and measurement of racism and inequities in a way that is meaningful to communities. Sovereignty over data is activated through strong Indigenous data governance, which upholds Indigenous autonomy throughout the research process. The research process is further guided by Indigenous Data Sovereignty Principles, which recognise First Nations peoples’ right to exercise control over the data ecosystem, as well as rights to accountable data structures and data that is contextualised, disaggregated, relevant, and supportive of sustainable selfdetermination and their individual and collective interests.20 Control of the data ecosystem includes decision-making over how and why data is collected, its interpretation and analysis, and how the data is shared.21 Data sovereignty recognises how research can tend to silence non-white knowledges,22 and spotlights the value of having these knowledges lead the research process. When strong processes of Indigenous data governance are maintained, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can more accurately contextualise and articulate their stories, knowledges, and aspirations.23 Indigenous data sovereignty recognises how the handling of data about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities not only reflects, but also develops, Indigenous peoples’ experiences, knowledges, values, and wellbeing.24 Data sovereignty is a corollary of the broader right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to exercise autonomy over their cultural heritage, traditional knowledges, and traditional cultural expressions, which are rights affirmed by the UNDRIP.25 National Anti-Racism Framework Scoping Report 2022 | 89